Kenya Dairy Board, ILRI to Transform Informal Dairy Sector
The Kenya Dairy Board and the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) initiative is aimed at improving milk safety and access
The initiative is funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
Dubbed MoreMiLK, the scheme targets small-scale dairy businesses in Nakuru, Nyandarua, and Uasin Gishu counties
Kenya’s informal dairy sector, which accounts for about three-quarters of the country’s milk supply, is set to undergo a major transformation with the launch of the MoreMiLK.
This four-year project, which is funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, aims to improve milk safety, quality and for small-scale informal dairy businesses, ensure access to regulated markets, a capacity development, and a certification scheme.
What the importance of MoreMiLK initiative
The scheme will support their gradual transition into certified enterprises that offer safe and quality dairy products. READ ALSO Red tape and rare earths: EU 'compass' charts economic futureAccording to a press statement seen by TUKO.co.ke, the initiative targets small-scale dairy businesses in Nakuru, Nyandarua and Uasin Gishu counties, and will address current challenges by improving milk handling practices and ensuring regulatory compliance while empowering vendors to thrive, and enhancing consumer trust. The informal dairy sector plays a critical role in the nation’s economy and nutrition, providing affordable milk to millions of households. “Our long-term vision is to have a formalised dairy sector in Kenya that provides safe milk and contributes to nutrition security, health, and economic growth. This initiative is an essential step towards achieving this vision.” Dr. Joshua Chepchieng, Secretary Administration State Department of Livestock Development.
Dairy vendors serve as trusted ambassadors for nutrition, health, and food safety in their communities. Despite their important role in society, they face significant challenges, including lack of adequate support, an inability to adhere to best milk handling practices and regulatory requirements and difficulties in checking and maintain product quality and safety.
The Kenya Dairy Board (KDB), mandated to regulate and promote Kenya’s dairy sector, has made significant strides in addressing these challenges. In 2021, KDB revised its dairy regulations to align with modern technology and market demands, simplifying and automating permit processes and replacing the KDB licence with a cost-free, compliance-based permit for small and medium dairy business operators. These changes have significantly reduced barriers for small businesses to participate in the formal economy, paving the way for more inclusive and safer dairy markets.
The project will encourage consumers to buy from trusted and compliant businesses while empowering informal dairy operators to access new operations. How MoreMiLK will support Kenya's economy? The initiative aligns with Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, which identifies dairy as a priority value chain for development. By focusing on the three counties, the project intends to create a business case that demonstrates the feasibility of scaling up to support the government’s objective of increasing milk sales through regulated markets from less than 20% to 50%.
“Through capacity building, incentives for change, and fostering an enabling environment, we are committed to supporting small and medium dairy enterprises. We believe that providing the necessary training, technology, and access to resources can uplift the entire dairy sector, ensuring healthier and safer milk for all Kenyans,” said Margaret Kibogy, Managing Director, KDB. The MoreMilk initiative is expected to deliver significant changes, including improved milk safety standards, increased regulatory compliance, and participation of informal businesses in policy formulation and implementation.
The scheme will empower consumers through the provision of safer, high-quality milk and strengthen gender equity through collaboration between men and women the dairy sector. "This partnership is pivotal in transforming Kenya’s informal dairy sector. By combining research and regulatory expertise, we are improving milk safety, enhancing livelihoods, and driving national food security and public health progress,” said Appolinaire Djikeng, Director General, ILRI. Silvia Alonso, principal scientist/project lead, ILRI said the initiative will create a sustainable model that supports and protects milk business and health.
"Building on the success of the original MoreMilk project, and continuing to be grounded on sound research, this initiative aims to create a sustainable model that not only supports small businesses but also protects the health and well-being of Kenyan families,” said Alonso. New KICC In related news, TUKO.co.ke reported that President William Ruto commissioned the New KCC Nyahururu Factory, which is expected to process at least 150,000 litres of milk a day. Ruto directed New KCC to buy milk from farmers at KSh 50 per litre, up from the current KSh 40. The head of state also assured farmers of access to credit and timely access to subsidised fertilisers at a cost of KSh 2,500.
Source : DAirynews7x7 JAn 29th 2025 Tuko Kenya
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, current affairs journalist and copy editor at TUKO